Whitby Town 1-1 Chorley - 30/03/2013

A KEIL O’Brien goal looked to set the Magpies on the path the victory, but two penalty decisions gave the hosts a way back in.

O’Brien netted his first Chorley goal following a short corner routine, the big defender netting at the back post at the second attempt.

The Magpies could have added further goals in the opening period, Tom Ince seeing a shot blocked, Dale Whitham & Adam Roscoe both volleying over and Porya Ahmadi stung the keepers hands just before the break.

At the other end Jack Cudworth was a virtual spectator due to the excellent performance of the defence.

After the interval and heading down the slight slope the hosts edged back into the game, but with no small assistance for the officials.

In the 51st minute referee Matt McGrath awarded the hosts a penalty following a trip on midfielder Tom Portas, however Jack Cudworth was up to the challenge, diving to his right to deny Nathan Mulligan.

However a minute later the referee decided to offer Whitby a second chance, pointing to the spot for no apparent reason. This time Craig Farrell stepped up and despite guessing correctly Cudworth could only get his finger-tips to the ball as he dove to his left.

Minutes later Adam Roscoe was floored following an aerial challenge. McGrath them yellow carded captain Andy Teague and sent manager Garry Flitcroft to the stands following their complaints about the challenge that resulting in Roscoe receiving extensive treatment.

With the slope and decision against them it was a tough second half for Chorley, but a point was the least they deserved for their endeavours.

Cudworth made a save to keep the score level with a little under quarter of an hour to go, the best chance from open play for this hosts.

Roscoe and Andy Russell both had chances, while Dale Whitham has four attempts (three in one attack), but there was no way past Nick Liversdege in the second period